A Kent beach has been closed over fears that it may have become contaminated.

The beach at The Warren in Folkestone has been closed indefinitely by the council following coastal erosion.

It is understood that the council and the Environment Agency are working to discover the extent of the possible contamination.

The closure was ordered after the sea was found to have eroded part of the cliff which contained potentially hazardous material.

The exact nature of the material is not yet known, and there is no timetable for when the area may reopen.

Leader of Folkestone & Hythe District Council, Councillor David Monk said: “The safety of our residents and visitors is our first priority.

"I know that the closure of this part of the beach will be inconvenient for many but we’d ask users to bear with us while we establish the facts of the situation.

“Contaminated material poses a risk to health so we strongly urge people to respect the signage and barriers we have put up and find alternative areas to enjoy for now.

"We need to ensure that The Warren is fully safe again before we re-open the area.”

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